Let them touch: Umpires and Major League Baseball

I know the rule; umpires in baseball are NOT allowed to have any physical contact with players on the field. Today, Major League Umpire Paul Schrieber apologized for placing his hand on the back of the Detroit Tigers Magglio Ordonez. Here's the scenario: Schrieber called Ordonez out on strikes last night in the 7th against the Twins; Ordonez argued the pitch was low. Schrieber said that to avoid ejecting him, he was ushering him away. Technically, it was a shove. Anyone who has ever been shoved knows how annoying it is, but I think the ump's reasoning is a good one. He should have to apologize for the shove but for the "contact" itself, come on... Referees touch NBA players all the time as they do in hockey (usually to break up a fight) but baseball has some wierd "Dirty Dancing" rule. "This is my dance space; this is your dance space."

Ordonez's comment after the incident is spot on..."'If you touch [an umpire], you'd get suspended. I'd be home."'" True but also unreasonable. MLB is currently investigating the incident and will likely punish Schrieber. If it were a player doing the touching, a suspension would be in order. Schrieber might get the same. REALLY!? Even Tigers Manager Jim Leyland (ejected after defending Ordonez--that was some sight!) said the umpire had no intent to harm or be violent towards his player. Let's please put the "no contact" rule to bed! Every now and again, someone needs a light "stiff arm" to stop a person from moving towards another person, or a pat on the back or hey, even a shove to avoid further damage (i.e. an ejection)...ultimately, if there is a question about "excessive force", there's always Instant Replay.